THE Fiji U23 football team drew nil all with nine-men Tahiti in the Pacific Games at the Bisini Soccer Fields yesterday.
Fiji failed to capitalise on their numbers. Tahiti’s captain Manuarii Hauata was red-carded in the 62nd minute followed by Pito Thibaut in the 85th minute.
Fiji shared good possession but failed to make any constructive moves that would ensure a goal.
Fiji seemed to be playing the kick and chase game while Tahiti played short passes and hardly had to clear long balls from their territory.
Fiji’s best chance came from a free-kick. Kolinio Sivoki’s shaved the near post.
The draw means Fiji now has five points in the Pacific Games and four in the Olympic qualifiers as Tahiti is not counted in it.
Coach Carlos Buzzetti said the boys had played a good game and the draw was a good result.
“Tahiti is a good team. A draw is a good result. The boys could have scored but were unfortunate,” he said.
“We still have a chance to make the medal and Olympic qualifiers.”
* Pacific Games coverage courtesy of BSP
